RU teachers suspend classes, exams; officers announce shutdown

The Nationalist Teachers’ Forum at Rajshahi University has decided to suspend all classes and examinations in protest against the assault on the Pro Vice-Chancellor and other faculty members. The suspension will continue until the perpetrators are punished. The decision was taken during a meeting at Juberi Bhaban on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, following an emergency syndicate meeting at the residence of Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib the same night, the university’s Officers’ Association and Employee Association announced a complete shutdown. They demanded the reinstatement of institutional facilities, including the ‘ward quota’ for the children of officers and staff, which they claim remains suspended at Rajshahi University despite being available at most other universities in the country.

The associations also called for the cancellation of student status for those involved in the recent attacks on faculty and staff members. Leaders warned that the shutdown would continue indefinitely if their demands were not met.

They said that under the shutdown, regular academic and administrative activities at the university will remain suspended. However, essential services, such as RUCSU elections, transport, water, and electricity, will be out of the purview of the shutdown.

On Monday, classrooms across various faculties and departments remained closed, and no scheduled examinations were held. Students were seen walking around the campus in groups, but no teaching activities took place. Many students expressed frustration, saying they had been preparing for exams, and the sudden suspension left them uncertain about their academic schedules.

Leaders of the Teachers’ Forum stated that the assault on the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and faculty members has tarnished the university’s reputation. They vowed to continue the movement until appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators.

Moktar Hossain, president of the Officers’ Association, said the shutdown would be fully enforced from Monday if the demands were not met. He added that they are prepared to engage in a long-term movement to protect the university’s heritage and interests.